Sozial Medizinischer Dienst Österreich

What Sozial Medizinischer Dienst Österreich does

Sozial Medizinischer Dienst Österreich (SMD) is a Vienna-based nonprofit association founded in 1995 that operates emergency medical services, patient transport, and training programs across Vienna and Lower Austria. The organization operates through two legal entities: the nonprofit Verein (ZVR-Zahl 411992200) and its wholly-owned operating subsidiary SMD Rettungsdienst und Krankentransport GmbH (FN 128103 m). Core services include 24/7 emergency rescue (Rettungsdienst), patient transport (Krankentransporte) serving approximately 20,000 patients annually, physician-accompanied intensive care transport (SNAW), international accident repatriation for members, event medical standby, search and rescue dog operations, crisis intervention, disaster relief (Katastrophenhilfsdienst), and blood plasma transport for Europlasma. SMD is a member of the Wiener Rettungsverband and receives dispatch assignments from MA 70 (Vienna) and NOTRUF NÖ GmbH (Lower Austria) via the Austrian emergency number 144.

SMD's technology stack comprises EN 1789-compliant rescue vehicles equipped with defibrillators, 12-channel ECG, pulse oximeters, and suction equipment, plus a Priority Dispatch System (MPDS/AMPDS) certified to the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) gold standard. In December 2023, SMD integrated into Lower Austria's Telenotarzt system, enabling real-time telemedicine guidance between field paramedics and remote emergency physicians. The organization operates an accredited training academy delivering first aid courses (€75-95), rescue paramedic programs (€2,499), and emergency paramedic certification (€3,499), alongside Zivildienst and Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr (FSJ) volunteer pipelines.

Revenue is generated through four primary streams: government-contracted emergency and transport services billed to health insurers and public entities, recurring supporting memberships (Fördermitgliedschaften) at €10-20/month across three tiers, training and certification course fees, and specialized blood plasma transport services for Europlasma. SMD holds the Austrian Donation Quality Seal (Spendengütesiegel), QIF fundraising certification, and Climate Protection Competence certification. The organization is managed by Geschäftsführer Anton More and maintains three physical locations in Vienna-Liesing, Vienna-Alsergrund, and Aspang-Markt. No external investment, venture capital, or private equity funding is indicated.

Name

Sozial Medizinischer Dienst Österreich

Legal name

Sozial Medizinischer Dienst Österreich

Website

https://smd.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sozial Medizinischer Dienst Österreich (SMD) is a Vienna-based nonprofit operating 24/7 emergency rescue, patient transport, and intensive care transport services across Vienna and Lower Austria, with accredited training programs and a supporting membership model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Emergency Medical Services

NAICS

Ambulance Services (62191), Home Health Care Services (62161), Emergency and Other Relief Services (62423)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Disaster Response, Rescue & Tactical EMS (DMAT/USAR/SWAT/HAZMAT Medical) (HLAFANAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

MHPSS & Trauma-Informed Support for Displaced Populations (BPADAHAJ)

Keywords

• Emergency medical services
• Patient transport services
• Paramedic training courses
• First aid training
• Disaster relief services

Headquarters

HQ city

Vienna

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Emergency and Transport Services: Publicly contracted emergency rescue services, patient transport, and intensive care transports (SNAW) billed to health insurance providers, hospitals, and government entities. Operates rescue stations in Vienna (as member of Wiener Rettungsverband) and Lower Austria.
2. Fördermitgliedschaften (Supporting Memberships): Recurring monthly membership fees (€10-20/month) providing benefits including repatriation services, travel assistance, first aid course discounts, and access to partner discount portal with up to 600 brands.
3. Training and Education Courses: Revenue from first aid courses (€75-95), rescue paramedic training (€2,499), and emergency paramedic certification (€3,499). Group bookings available for corporate clients.
4. Blood Plasma Transport: Transport of blood plasma for Europlasma to pharmaceutical companies, in operation since 2001.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Sozial Medizinischer Dienst Österreich (SMD) is a nonprofit rescue organization operating 24/7 emergency medical response, patient transport, intensive care transport (SNAW), and medical repatriation services in Vienna and Lower Austria. It also runs an accredited training academy offering first aid courses and paramedic certifications, plus disaster relief, humanitarian aid, crisis intervention, blood plasma transport, and a supporting membership program.

Product overview

SMD operates as a unified emergency and healthcare services platform combining core rescue operations with educational offerings and membership programs. The core service portfolio centers on 24/7 emergency rescue (Rettungsdienst), patient transport (Krankentransporte), and intensive care transport (SNAW), supplemented by specialized services including disaster relief (Katastrophenhilfsdienst), search rescue dogs (Rettungshunde), crisis intervention, and international humanitarian aid. Educational offerings include first aid courses (Erste-Hilfe-Kurse), rescue paramedic training (Rettungssanitäter Ausbildung), and emergency paramedic courses (Notfallsanitäter Ausbildung). The organization also operates civilian service (Zivildienst) and voluntary service (FSJ) programs. Membership programs (Fördermitgliedschaft) at three tiers provide accident repatriation, discounts, and exclusive benefits, while testamentary donations and the 'neues leben' magazine support ongoing engagement with supporters.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Emergency Rescue Service (Rettungsdienst) 24/7 emergency medical response service providing highly trained emergency doctors and paramedics for accidents, serious injuries, and acute illnesses. Dispatched via Austrian emergency number 144 through dispatch centers MA 70 (Vienna) and NOTRUF NÖ GmbH (Lower Austria).
• Patient Transport Service (Krankentransporte) Scheduled patient transport services between medical facilities, nursing facilities, and clinics for non-emergency transfers. Currently serves approximately 20,000 patients per year.
• Intensive Care Transport / SNAW 24/7 round-the-clock intensive care transport service using specialized SNAW vehicles with physician accompaniment for critical patient transfers between hospitals.
• Medical Repatriation (Reiserückholung) International medical repatriation services for supporting members, including Austria-wide accident repatriation for Stufe 1 and worldwide return transport for Stufe 2 and 3 members.
• Event Medical Standby (Ambulanzstellungen) On-site ambulance coverage and medical standby services for events, gatherings, and public functions.
• Search and Rescue Dogs (Rettungshunde) Search and rescue dog team trained for area searches, rubble searches, and disaster response operations. Certified through Österreichischer Kynologenverband (ÖKV) examinations.
• Humanitarian Aid (Universoziale Hilfe) National and international humanitarian aid including donation collection and delivery to regions in need, with ongoing support for Ukraine.
• Crisis Intervention (Krisenintervention) Crisis intervention services for individuals affected by traumatic events, including psychological first aid and support to prevent PTSD. Includes stress processing after demanding operations for employees and paramedics.
• Disaster Relief Service (Katastrophenhilfsdienst) Disaster relief service as member of Vienna's Katastrophenhilfsdienst, providing mobile field hospital with 150 beds deployable within 90 minutes including staff, cots, and bedding.
• Blood Plasma Transport (Blutplasmatransporte) Nationwide transport of human blood plasma for production of life-saving medications for Europlasma, including acute emergency deliveries for patients waiting in operating rooms.
• First Aid Courses (Erste-Hilfe-Kurse) Accredited first aid training courses including 8-hour driving license courses (€75), 16-hour basic courses for occupational first aiders (€95), English-language courses (€85), and on-site group packages for companies (€1,500 for up to 25 participants).
• Rescue Paramedic Training (Rettungssanitäter Ausbildung) Professional rescue paramedic training program comprising 120 theoretical hours and 160 practical hours, concluding with commission examination. Course fee €2,499 (funding available). Combined with professional module = recognized vocational qualification.
• Emergency Paramedic Training (Notfallsanitäter Ausbildung) Advanced emergency paramedic training building on rescue paramedic qualifications, covering medical emergencies, pharmacology, and trauma care. Includes eligibility test, theoretical block course, practical training on rescue vehicles and in hospital, and commission exam. Course fee €3,499.
• Supporting Membership Program (Fördermitgliedschaft) Supporting membership program with three tiers (€10/€15/€20 monthly) offering accident repatriation services, special discounts, and exclusive benefits. Tier 1: Austria-wide repatriation; Tier 2: worldwide repatriation; Tier 3: worldwide repatriation plus one free 6-hour first aid course. Members also access discount portal with up to 600 brands offering up to 70% discounts.
• Charitable Bequests (Testamentspenden) Charitable bequest program enabling supporters to include the organization in their estate planning, with free inheritance law consultation services and joint information events with independent notaries.
• Mobile Care Services (Mobile Betreuung) Mobile care services including nursing care, home nursing, and short-term care for individuals requiring ongoing support, operated from the Vienna-Alsergrund headquarters.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20,000 patients served annually through patient transport services since 2001
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Austrian Red Cross - Telenotarztsystem NiederösterreichcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrom mid-December 2023, SMD rescue service became part of the new Telenotarzt (tele-emergency physician) system in Lower Austria. The system enables real-time communication between rescue personnel and remote emergency physicians via telemedicine technology, allowing better patient care guidance at the scene and reducing unnecessary emergency physician deployments.
• EuroplasmacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2001, SMD has supported Europlasma in transporting human blood plasma for production of life-saving medications. SMD transports plasma nationwide and also handles acute emergency deliveries for patients waiting in operating rooms.
• MA 70 Berufsrettung Wien (Municipal Emergency Services Vienna)coreTechnology or IntegrationMA 70 serves as the dispatch center (Landesleitzentrale Wien) for Vienna, assigning emergency and transport operations to SMD. SMD is a member of the Wiener Rettungsverband (Vienna Rescue Association) coordinating emergency response.
• NOTRUF NÖ GmbH (Emergency Call Lower Austria)coreTechnology or IntegrationNOTRUF NÖ GmbH operates the dispatch center for Lower Austria (Leitstelle Niederösterreich), assigning emergency operations to SMD units in the region.
• Österreichischer Kynologenverband (ÖKV)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSMD's search dog team (Suchhundeteam Kirchberg/Wechsel) undergoes certification examinations through ÖKV. In October 2023, five dogs successfully passed ÖKV examinations in categories BH (companion test), Fläche V (area search preliminary), and Fläche A (area search advanced).
• Fundraising Verband Austria (FVA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSMD is a member of FVA's Qualitätsinitiative Förderwerbung (QIF). FVA provides certification programs for fundraisers including 6-module training and multiple-choice examination covering NPO sector, fundraising basics, legal conditions, quality initiative, and communication theory.
• Vergissmeinnicht - Initiative für das gute TestamentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSMD is a member of Vergissmeinnicht, an initiative promoting charitable bequests. Partnership enables joint information events with independent notaries, offering free inheritance law consultations and testamentary planning services to potential donors.
• Meta Platforms Ireland Limited (Facebook/Instagram)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSMD operates social media presence on Facebook and Instagram. Social media icons on website are simple links without data transmission (no plugins). SMD maintains fan page on Facebook under joint controllership with Meta for Facebook Insights.
• CASC – full service agentur GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExternal data protection officer (Datenschutzbeauftragter) appointed: Mag. Markus Dittrich, CASC – full service agentur GmbH, 1160 Vienna, as required under Art. 37 GDPR.
• Wiener Katastrophenhilfsdienst (Vienna Disaster Relief Service)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSMD is a member of the Wiener Katastrophenhilfsdienst and supports cross-regional disaster response. SMD provides qualified personnel, vehicles, medical tents, and supplies. Can establish mobile field station with 150 beds including staff, cots, and bedding within 90 minutes.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• St. John Ambulance: International nonprofit first aid and ambulance organization providing EMS, training, and community response services. Comparable to SMD as a mission-driven, volunteer-supported EMS and training provider at materially greater scale.
• Falck: Global commercial ambulance and emergency services operator with presence across Europe. Comparable to SMD in core ambulance and patient transport capabilities but operates as a for-profit incumbent with broader geographic reach.
• Global Medical Response: Large U.S.-based EMS, air ambulance, and integrated medical transport company. Relevant as a scaled commercial peer for SMD's emergency transport, patient transport, and specialty (SNAW-style) intensive care transfer services.

Others

• ÖAMTC (Austrian Automobile Club): Austrian roadside assistance and mobility club that also operates air ambulance and helicopter rescue services. Adjacent to SMD as a fellow nonprofit membership organization with emergency response capabilities, though focused on mobility rather than ground EMS.
• Austrian Airlines Medical Services / International SOS: International medical assistance and repatriation providers. Comparable to SMD's Fördermitgliedschaft repatriation benefits and SNAW intensive care transport capabilities, but operating at global scale as commercial medical assistance specialists.

Direct peers

• Arbeiter Samariter Bund Österreich (ASBÖ): Austrian nonprofit providing ambulance, patient transport, and training services, including home nursing and first aid courses. Directly comparable to SMD in service portfolio and reliance on memberships and government contracts.
• Malteser Hospitaldienst Austria: Austrian affiliate of the Order of Malta providing emergency medical services, social services, and first aid training. Comparable to SMD as a mission-driven nonprofit EMS provider with membership and donation funding.
• Grünes Kreuz (Green Cross Austria): Regional Austrian emergency medical and patient transport provider operating in multiple federal states. Comparable to SMD in core EMS and transport service offerings and reliance on local authority contracts.
• Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe in Österreich: Austrian branch of the international Johanniter organization providing emergency medical services, patient transport, first aid training, and disaster relief. Competes with SMD in the same Austrian EMS tender landscape and membership-based support model.
• Österreichisches Rotes Kreuz (Austrian Red Cross): Austria's largest EMS and rescue provider and direct competitor in Vienna and Lower Austria. Like SMD, it operates 144 dispatch coverage, runs accredited training programs, and depends on volunteer and donor support, but at substantially greater national scale.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/smd-rettungsdienst

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sozial Medizinischer Dienst Österreich